| Nearly half of all primate species
are now in danger of becoming extinct, research published recently
has revealed.
The dramatic findings, launched at Bristol Zoo Gardens,
include a list of the world's 25 most endangered primates.
The research, compiled by 85 experts from across the world,
shows mankind's closest living relatives - apes, monkeys,
lemurs and other primates - are on the brink of extinction
and in need of urgent conservation measures.
Destruction of tropical forests, the illegal wildlife trade
and commercial bushmeat hunting are all threatening their
existence, according to the report - 'Primates In Peril:
The World's 25 Most Endangered Primates, 2008-2010'.
The top 25 most endangered primates includes 5 primate species
from Madagascar, six from Africa, 11 from Asia and 3 from
Central and South America.
Dr Christoph Schwitzer, one of the report's editors and
head of |research at Bristol Conservation and Science Foundation,
said he hoped the findings will draw attention to the primates'
plight.
He said - “This report makes for alarming reading. We hope
it will be effective in drawing attention to the plight of
each of the 25 species included. Support and action to help
save these species is vital if we are to avoid losing these
wonderful animals forever.”
Conservationists want to highlight the plight of species
such as the golden headed langur, which is found only on the
island of Cat Ba, north-eastern Vietnam, where just 60 to
70 animals remain. Similarly, there are thought to be less
than 100 northern sportive lemurs in Madagascar.
Dr Russell Mittermeier is chairman of the International
Union for Conservation of Nature Species Survival Commission
(IUCN/SSC)
Primate Specialist Group and president of Conservation International.
He said - “The results from the most recent assessment of
the world's mammals indicate that the primates are among the
most endangered vertebrate groups. The purpose of our list
is to highlight those that are most at risk, to attract attention,
to stimulate national governments to do more and to find the
resources to implement desperately-needed conservation measures.”
To download the report - Click
Here
|
